Police have confirmed that a 50-year-old man, identified as Man Haron Monis, was killed as the Sydney siege came to a dramatic end at about 2am this morning.
Hostages, including a 34-year-old Lindt cafe manager, Tori Johnson; and 38-year-old barrister and mum of three, Katrina Dawson, also died – 17 hours after the ordeal began in the heart of Sydney’s CBD.
A police officer was taken to hospital with a facial wound, but has since been released.
Police Commissioner Andrew Scipione said officers stormed the cafe after they heard “a number of gunshots from inside”.
It is being reported that Mr Johnson attempted to grab the gun from Monis, when he started to fall asleep.
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Several hostages ran out of the building, while others were carried out.
Hostages run out of the building with their hands in the air. Picture: Getty
Police said 17 hostages were identified, including the five that escaped yesterday afternoon.
Iranian-born Monis was a man known for his radical views, penning letters to the families of Australian soldiers killed overseas. He was reportedly also out on bail in relation to the murder of his ex-wife.
Premier Mike Baird described the siege as a “horrendous and vicious attack” and urged all Australians to think of the hostages and their families.
Commissioner Scipione said at a press conference this morning: “To the people of Sydney, this was an isolated incident… it was an act of an individual and should not change how we go about our business.”
He praised police officers and the hostages – some of which he said “were just buying a cup of coffee and got caught up in this affair”.
“They were caught up in this room and needed to make hard decisions,” he told reporters.
A sea of flowers at Martin Place. Picture: Getty
Hundreds of people have placed flowers at Martin Place to show their respect for the victims of the tragedy.
